American Elm / Lacebark Elm:
The state tree of both Massachusetts and North Dakota, American elm is a beautiful tree subject to getting a serious disease called Dutch elm disease or DED. In fact, I cannot in good conscience recommend planting American elm without reminding you it could die of DED.
With that said resistant tree strains are starting to improve the American elm's situation. Also, you may want to consider planting lacebark elm as an alternative to American elm. Lacebark elm's habit and form is similar.
The state tree of both Massachusetts and North Dakota, American elm is a beautiful tree subject to getting a serious disease called Dutch elm disease or DED. In fact, I cannot in good conscience recommend planting American elm without reminding you it could die of DED.
With that said resistant tree strains are starting to improve the American elm's situation. Also, you may want to consider planting lacebark elm as an alternative to American elm. Lacebark elm's habit and form is similar.
Habit and Range:
American elm is the most popular of urban shade trees. This tree was planted along downtown city streets for decades. The tree has had major problems with Dutch elm disease and is now out of favor when considered for urban tree planting. In North America, American elm attains medium to large tree status and grows 60' to 80' tall. American elm occupies one of the largest north-south ranges in North America - from Canada to Florida.
American elm is the most popular of urban shade trees. This tree was planted along downtown city streets for decades. The tree has had major problems with Dutch elm disease and is now out of favor when considered for urban tree planting. In North America, American elm attains medium to large tree status and grows 60' to 80' tall. American elm occupies one of the largest north-south ranges in North America - from Canada to Florida.
Strong Cultivars: Most DED resistant cultivars: 'New Harmony', 'Valley Forge'
Most recommended replacement: Chinese or lacebark elm (not an American native)
Most recommended replacement: Chinese or lacebark elm (not an American native)
Expert Comments:
"It is massive, long lived, tough, easy to grow, adaptable and blessed with an arching, wine-glass-like silhouette, making it the perfect street tree." - Guy Sternberg, Native Trees for North American Landscapes
"Most trees find life an ongoing struggle, but elms have been through a singular hell."- Arthur Plotnik, The Urban Tree Book
"From a pragmatic viewpoint, it is difficult to recommend this species because of the disease problem. If the newer, resistant selections prove successful, then I would consider planting..."- Michael Dirr, Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs
"It is massive, long lived, tough, easy to grow, adaptable and blessed with an arching, wine-glass-like silhouette, making it the perfect street tree." - Guy Sternberg, Native Trees for North American Landscapes
"Most trees find life an ongoing struggle, but elms have been through a singular hell."- Arthur Plotnik, The Urban Tree Book
"From a pragmatic viewpoint, it is difficult to recommend this species because of the disease problem. If the newer, resistant selections prove successful, then I would consider planting..."- Michael Dirr, Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs
